CLWYD South Assembly Member Ken Skates has welcomed the decision by Wrexham County Borough Council to extend the public consultation period over the proposed closure of Plas Madoc Leisure Centre.

Labour AM Mr Skates said the authority had listened to the public and taken notice after it announced it was giving residents more time to have their say.

Mr Skates said: “Plas Madoc is my local leisure centre and I regularly attend fitness classes there and use the gym. I always find the staff incredibly friendly and it is to Wrexham Council’s credit that so many people want it retained.

“I welcome this news and congratulate the council on listening to the public and taking notice of their views on this important issue. I would also like to thank the service users for speaking up and making their feelings known, and I would encourage people who want the centre retained to use it or lose it.”

Mr Skates added: “Unfortunately, like every other Welsh local authority, the Wrexham Council leaders are having to make some very tough decisions because of the rough hand dealt to us by the UK Government.

“I know many of my constituents would be sad to see the facility at Plas Madoc go, so I am looking forward to talking to the council to explore every possible option.”

Clwyd South MP Susan Elan Jones said: “I don’t envy the council for some of the horribly painful choices they are facing, having been forced to make £45m in cuts locally because of the so-called austerity programme of David Cameron’s Government. However, I remain of the view that the council must explore all options to try and keep Plas Madoc Leisure Centre open.”

Members of the public now have until January 31 to have their say on the proposals by visiting the council’s website www.wrexham.gov.uk.